Possible Complications

Complications are rare. But, no procedure is completely free of risk. If you are planning to have colposcopy, your doctor will review a list of possible complications. These may include:

Bleeding

Infection

Discomfort

What to Expect

Prior to Procedure

In the 24 hours before the procedure, your doctor may advise you to avoid:

Having sexual intercourse

Using medication or creams in your vagina

Anesthesia

Usually no anesthesia is needed. In certain cases, the cervix may be numbed with a local anesthetic.

Description of the Procedure

A device called a speculum will be inserted into the vagina. The speculum will gently spread apart the vaginal walls. The inside of the vagina and the cervix will be easier to see. The colposcope will be placed at the opening of the vagina. Then, the cervix will be wiped with a solution. The solution will make abnormal areas easier to see. The cervix and vagina will be examined closely with the colposcope. A long tool may be used to take a sample of tissue from the cervix or vaginal wall.

How Long Will It Take?

About 5-10 minutes

How Much Will It Hurt?

This procedure is usually painless. If a biopsy is taken, you may feel a slight pinch and mild cramping.

Post-procedure Care

When you return home after the procedure, do the following to help ensure a smooth recovery if you had a biopsy done:

You may need to use a sanitary pad for a few days.

Do not put anything into your vagina for at least a week.

Do not use tampons or have sex until your doctor says it is okay.

Results from a biopsy should be ready in about one week. The results will determine whether you need more testing or treatment.

Call Your Doctor

After arriving home, contact your doctor if any of the following occurs:

Heavy bleeding

Fever, chills

Severe pain

Bad-smelling vaginal discharge

In case of an emergency, call for emergency medical services right away.

CANADIAN RESOURCES

References

American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Management of abnormal cervical cytology and histology.
Practice Bulletin No. 99.
December 2008.

Colposcopy. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists website. Available at:
http://www.acog.org/~/media/For%20Patients/faq135.pdf?dmc=1&ts=20121219T1514556583. Published June 2013. Accessed October 30, 2014.

Colposcopy. Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians website. Available at:
http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/diseases-conditions/cervical-cancer/diagnosis-tests/colposcopy.html. Updated August 2010. Accessed October 30, 2014.

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